Travelling from Dubai to Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST): What you need to know
There are a couple of main airports you can start your trip from in Dubai. Check out your options leaving from Dubai Airport (DXB) or Dubai World Central - Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) when organising your flight from Dubai to Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST).
5 hours is the average duration of a direct Dubai to Istanbul Ataturk Airport flight.
Istanbul Ataturk Airport is located in Istanbul. The city operates on the UTC+3 timezone and is one hour behind Dubai.
The busiest route is from Dubai Airport (DXB) to Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST), with 62 direct services every week. If you're eager to be on your way, the earliest flight from DXB to IST is the 2am Turkish Airlines service. If a later flight fits your day better, the last departure is at 9:15pm with flydubai.
Give yourself plenty of time to make your flight from Dubai to IST. It's generally best to arrive two hours before international departures and an hour ahead for domestic flights.
If you're jetting off during a bank holiday or other peak period, give yourself extra time. Get there two hours ahead of domestic flights and up to four hours before international departures. Lines at security and check-in will be longer.
Airports in Dubai
Dubai Airport (DXB)
Dubai Airport (DXB) offers an easy route to your destination. Nonstop flights from Dubai to Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) operate out of this terminal.
Pick from a variety of airlines offering direct flights from Dubai to Istanbul Ataturk Airport leaving from DXB. Book your journey with one of these:
Most passengers choose to book seats with Turkish Airlines from DXB to IST.
Consider adding a stopover to find cheap flights from Dubai to IST. Simply deselect 'Direct flights only' when searching for departures from Dubai Airport (DXB). Break up the journey at one of these airports:
Kuwait International Airport (KWI)
Queen Alia International Airport (AMM)
Bahrain International Airport (BAH)
Travelling from central Dubai to DXB takes around 50 minutes on public transport. If you drive, ride-share or take a cab, you'll cover the 14 kilometres in 15 minutes or so, depending on traffic conditions.
Searching for a convenient hotel near Dubai Airport? If you're catching an early flight from Dubai to Istanbul Ataturk Airport, these stays will put you moments from your check-in counter:
When it comes to Dubai Airport's on-time performance, data shows 74.31% of flights arrive within the expected time frame.
Dubai World Central - Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC)
Tick a new place off your list or just take a moment to stretch your legs with a stopover. If you'd like to break up your flight from Dubai to Istanbul Ataturk Airport, check out these options when leaving from Dubai World Central - Al Maktoum International Airport:
Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER)
Vaclav Havel Airport Prague (PRG)
Stuttgart Airport (STR)
You can arrive at DWC from central Dubai in approximately 45 minutes by car (depending on traffic). The journey by public transport will take roughly 2 hours 5 minutes to travel the 56 kilometres or so.
Want to enjoy an extra night away before your Dubai to IST flight? Check in to a hotel near Dubai World Central - Al Maktoum International Airport before your trip officially begins. These stays have a room with your name on it:
Looking at how often flights stay on schedule, Dubai World Central - Al Maktoum International Airport has an on-time arrival rate of 56.64%.
About Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST)
The last thing you want is a lengthy journey to your hotel if you're getting in late on a flight from Dubai to Istanbul Ataturk Airport. Get comfy at one of these accommodation options near IST instead:
Begin your adventure by picking up an Istanbul Ataturk Airport rental car. Grab a set of wheels from Hit, Avec car rentals or Eren Rent a Car and explore beyond Istanbul's usual tourist stops.
Booking your ride around two weeks in advance of your Dubai to Istanbul Ataturk Airport flight can help you secure the lowest rate.
Getting from Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) to central Istanbul
Istanbul Ataturk Airport is around 32 kilometres from central Istanbul. How long it takes to get there by car hire or cab will depend on the time of day. Do some research before your trip.
It'll take around 1 hour 45 minutes if you're using public transport.
How to find the cheapest flights from Dubai to Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST)
The lowest price we've found for a one-way ticket from Dubai to Istanbul Ataturk Airport is $173. For a return flight on this route, the best price is $339. Depending on when you want to go and the availability, these fares could change.
Don't wait until the last minute. You're more likely to find cheap flights from Dubai to IST if you book ahead. Airlines often have some great early bird rates.
The 'Whole month' search tool will show you the cheapest Dubai to Istanbul Ataturk Airport tickets across the entire month. It's an easy way to snap up a bargain if your travel dates aren't set in stone.
There's no need to check back in every day to find out if fares have dropped when you set up a Price Alert. We'll notify you when a better deal is available on flight tickets from Dubai to IST.
Nail down a great price on a flight from Dubai to Istanbul Ataturk Airport with the help of the filters. Pick your ideal arrival and departure times, airlines and number of stops. You can also sort your results by 'Cheapest,' 'Best' or 'Fastest.'
The best time to fly from Dubai to Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST)
August is the most popular month for flights from Dubai to Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST). Visit Istanbul in February for a more laid-back experience.
The warmest month in Istanbul is August, with temperatures ranging between 20ºC and 30ºC. Book your Dubai to IST flight ticket then if that's your definition of good weather.
January has temperatures of between 2ºC and 11ºC. Look for cheap tickets from Dubai to Istanbul Ataturk Airport around that time if you want to travel when it's cooler.
More about Istanbul
When it comes to searching for somewhere to lay your head, you'll find the most popular stays in Istanbul right here. Browse these options as soon as you've locked in your flight from Dubai to Istanbul Ataturk Airport:
All great holidays should include some sightseeing. Hagia Sophia History Museum, Hagia Sophia Museum and Historic Areas of Istanbul are essential stops on your Istanbul itinerary.
Explore more of Türkiye (Turkey)
Istanbul is easy to fall in love with, but there are so many other parts of Türkiye (Turkey) waiting to be explored. About 225 kilometres south-east of Istanbul, a trip to Eskisehir will keep your itinerary packed. Start with attractions like Eskişehir, Eskişehir and Eskişehir Odunpazarı Evleri.
Around 153 kilometres east of Istanbul, Adapazarı is another essential stop in Türkiye (Turkey). Start your sightseeing at Ozanlar Ulu Cami, Güllük Cami and Valide Cami.
